|
JPEG 516x798x16M [23 KB]
After the long flight from los Angeles/Honolulu, the first glimpse of the Tongan islands in the morning light. |
|
JPEG 534x816x16M [37 KB]
Ready to land in Nuku'alofa, the capital. |
|
JPEG 822x546x16M [70 KB]
One of the most typical and characteristics sight, is a traditional graveyard. |
|
JPEG 822x546x16M [37 KB]
The Royal Palace in Nuku'alofa. Inevitably, you have to go round the Palace grounds if you walk along the sea shore: in this case, take a look at the the backyard! |
|
JPEG 822x546x16M [42 KB]
The city market in the early morning. |
|
JPEG 534x792x16M [43 KB]
The southern coast of Tongatapu, the main island. Here the water is deep and it is possible to swim also at low tide, but the winds may make it less than idyllic. |
|
JPEG 834x534x16M [36 KB]
The northern shore on the contrary is more protected, but you have to take into account the times of low tide, or you risk being left with the ankle-high water for kilometers. |
|
JPEG 522x816x16M [67 KB]
Practically all Tongans are Christians, and quite fundamentally so. If you need proof, just look around on a Sunday. If you are interested in powerful, roof-lifting choirs, this is the place. The "war of Christ" is still seen as a real driver here, although some update on the weaponry could be recommended. |
|
JPEG 816x534x16M [42 KB]
The journey goes on to the group of the Ha'apai islands. The plane is not full... |
|
JPEG 822x540x16M [26 KB]
...although on second thought you have to wonder. |
|
JPEG 810x546x16M [36 KB]
On the plane, try to get a window seat, it's worthy. |
|
JPEG 540x810x16M [22 KB]
And try not to salivate too much! |
|
JPEG 822x540x16M [26 KB]
More islands. |
|
JPEG 816x534x16M [22 KB]
Sorry for being monotonous. |
|
JPEG 816x534x16M [30 KB]
Ditto. |
|
JPEG 816x534x16M [27 KB]
Ditto. |
|
JPEG 816x534x16M [25 KB]
The Ha'apai are low-lying, palm-covered, reef-fringes islands. |
|
JPEG 834x540x16M [27 KB]
Uoleva is probably one of the most picture-perfect islands in the south Pacific. It's uninhabited, and its beaches are fantastic. |
|
JPEG 540x816x16M [41 KB]
A beach on Lifuka, the island with the airport and the main centre in Ha'apai. |
|
JPEG 534x816x16M [64 KB]
Horses are very common here, and they are widely used for transportation. |
|
JPEG 828x552x16M [39 KB]
At low tide, it's possible to cross from Lifuka to Uoleva on foot or horseback over the reef. |
|
JPEG 810x534x16M [54 KB]
Pigs are ubiquitous. |
|
JPEG 534x816x16M [54 KB]
Back from school. |
|
JPEG 828x546x16M [46 KB]
A view of Pangai, the capital of Ha'apai, with the inevitable church. |
|
JPEG 828x546x16M [40 KB]
An old fisherman and his daughter would set out every evening on this precarious boat, to line their nets. |
|
JPEG 828x546x16M [82 KB]
My small friends present a gift. Young coconuts constitute a delicious drink. |
|
JPEG 828x540x16M [37 KB]
Sunset on Lifuka. |
|
JPEG 822x540x16M [35 KB]
Beach on Uoleva. |
|
JPEG 822x546x16M [26 KB]
More of Uoleva. |
|
JPEG 816x546x16M [17 KB]
Walking across the reef back to Lifuka, a rainbow makes a spectacular appearance. |
|
JPEG 810x534x16M [29 KB]
The Vava'u group of islands is the next destination. |
|
JPEG 810x534x16M [22 KB]
These islands are markedly different from the Ha'apai group, being more hilly and more compact. But the view from the plane window is just as beautiful. |
|
JPEG 798x522x16M [25 KB]
Some of the islands are rather small. |
|
JPEG 798x522x16M [24 KB]
A view of Port of Refuge, the protected bay which constitutes one of the best anchorages in the south Pacific, as is demonstrated by the large number of yachts that stop here en route to New Zealand. |
|
JPEG 822x552x16M [54 KB]
Whales! |
|
JPEG 828x516x16M [40 KB]
From June to November, antarctic whales come to Tonga tomate and give birth. They constitute a fantastic attraction, expecially if you are so lucky to see them swim by and under your boat as this one. |
|
JPEG 834x534x16M [46 KB]
This one has decided to come out... |
|
JPEG 822x552x16M [44 KB]
..and take a good look at us. |
|
JPEG 828x522x16M [43 KB]
If you are lucky and the whales are curious and relaxed, you can even swim with them: the experience is unforgettable! |
|
JPEG 828x522x16M [37 KB]
The show goes on... |
|
JPEG 822x540x16M [40 KB]
... and on... |
|
JPEG 822x540x16M [32 KB]
... and on... |
|
JPEG 822x540x16M [41 KB]
... till the final good-bye. |
|
JPEG 546x828x16M [49 KB]
Two of the main attractions in Tonga: dancing... |
|
JPEG 810x522x16M [64 KB]
... and food! |
